Franschhoek Uncorked

With most of the Franschhoek Vignerons participating in this innovative initiative, there promises to be something for everyone. Well-reputed wineries such as Boekenhoutskloof, Boschendal, Cabrière, Graham Beck Wines, La Motte, L’Ormarins, Môreson and Plaisir de Merle will be taking part. Not to mention Franschhoek’s smaller and newer gems like Dieu Donne, GlenWood, Haut Espoir, La Bri, La Petit Ferme, Solms Delta, Topiary and Vrede and Lust who will also be coming to the party. All participating wineries are offering tastings of luscious wines and hosting an eclectic range of charming events on their delightful farms.        

Drink in the picturesque scenery while soaking in country hospitality at its best. Amble along leisurely from farm to farm, while relishing fine wine and tantalising your taste buds as you sample delectable delights. With most Franschhoek wineries on board, there is something for everyone with: cellar- and vineyard tours, barrel-tastings, scrumptious food- and wine pairings, art exhibitions, flower-bulb markets, jazz- and blues bands, live music extravaganzas… and much more. With a salient motor car theme threaded throughout the weekend activities, motor enthusiasts will be over-awed at the eclectic motor exhibitions at various farms. While those who revel in antique engineering, can visit the Rupert family’s pristine collection of vintage cars at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. There will also be a wide range of children’s activities. A more comprehensive, detailed list of activities will be posted on the website shortly, so watch this space….

With new releases being the theme of the day, one of the highlights of this year’s event must be Boekenhoutskloof’s latest vintage release of their polished and sensuous shiraz-driven blend, The Chocolate Block 2007. Here, glass in hand, one may be distracted by the gorgeous whiffs of ‘Reuben’s Barbecue Bonanza’. Another exciting vintage release is Haute Cabrière’s exquisite floral-nuanced Chardonnay Pinor Noir 2008. And, little could be more inviting than the prospect of devouring fresh, steamy mussels in cream, accompanied by the vibrant fizz of the mood-lifting Cuvée Belle Rosé, at Cabrière, which may compel you to linger a while longer at this destination! Another ever-popular draw card is Môreson’s specialised cured meat charcuterie. While at the farm, be sure to weave through the farmer’s market and sample and purchase specialised delicacies. And, don’t leave before tasting Môreson’s 2005 vintage of The Magia, their award-winning, handsome Bordeaux-style blend. But these are but a few of the fabulous attractions at this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked…. 

An access card system will be implemented to ensure the successful running of Franschhoek Uncorked. These access cards, at R60.00 each, will permit free wine tasting at participating wineries for the duration of the event. A shuttle service will facilitate responsible tasting and allow for easy, hassle-free transport on this Franschhoek meander.  

Franschhoek Uncorked also coincidently marks the launch of another inaugural event, ‘The Franschhoek Affair’, which is effectively ‘Franschhoek on Sale’, where shops, restaurants, farms, boutiques, hotels, and guesthouses will be offering reduced rates for the ensuing month (from 30 August until 30 September). So, with something for every taste and pocket in the way of accommodation, make a weekend of it!

Emily Dickenson wrote, ‘a little madness in the spring is wholesome even for the king’. In that vein, come and indulge yourself in this silly season, as you witness the country’s gourmet capital blossom and come alive.      

ACCESS CARDS                                  R60.00 per access card for unlimited wine tastings at participating wineries throughout the weekend, excluding events.   Access cards will be available from the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association (FWVTA), at any of the participating wineries, or online (through web-ticket) at www.franschhoek.org.za/festivals.                 

TICKET PRICE INCLUDES                  All wine tastings and a wine tasting glass. 

LIST OF WINERIES & ACTIVITIES    See website www.franschhoek.org.za.

ACTIVITY BOOKINGS                          Pre-book with the relevant wine farms to avoid disappointment.